laceyg

Perfect. Just absolutely perfect. I'm glad with "Sexy Love" that we're seeing a more even distribution of lines and show-casing of all of the members' talents. It was wonderful to hear Eunjung so clearly and to hear Boram really sing loud and clear too! Ah, I can't wait for their other performances!

Perfect. Just absolutely perfect. I'm glad with "Sexy Love" that we're seeing a more even distribution of lines and show-casing of all of the members' talents. It was wonderful to hear Eunjung so clearly and to hear Boram really sing loud and clear too! Ah, I can't wait for their other performances!

Wow... O_O, Eunjung's voice live sounds even better than the recording! Damn the background vocals ;_;, I wish I could hear her voice better in their performances, because her voice sounds so good!

Wow... O_O, Eunjung's voice live sounds even better than the recording! Damn the background vocals ;_;, I wish I could hear her voice better in their performances, because her voice sounds so good!

I have been utterly blown away!!!
First of all, I love that the setting of the music vid has a dystopian feel to it...when I first heard that the video was going to have a futuristic setting and saw some of the teaser pics I automatically jumped to something like Britney Spears' "Toxic" video as a reference. And while I still see some of its influence here (the girls' hair and outfits primarily), this looks much very much like it was inspired by Mad Max, as was reported. I also see a lot of Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger here.
Secondly, while I'm still not thrilled about the additions, I can sort of see what KKS was saying when he called Dani an "unrefined jewel." Her pictures don't do her justice, she is a lovely young girl. It's going to take a lot more than a teaser to sell me on her inclusion, but so far, so good. I wish she didn't have so much screen time in the teaser either, but I can also see why they decided to feature her so prominently; it's their way of letting the fans know that she fits well into T-ara's overall aesthetic and not to worry, that they're not COMPLETELY inept. It seems to be working, too; I've noticed that a lot of people have rescinded their initial opinions of Dani based on this teaser alone.
Third, while I'm happy to see the EunHyoJi trifecta looking as good as ever, I would have loved to see Boram, Qri, Hwayoung, Soyeon, and Areum in this teaser as well...even if it's just bit roles, I think now more than ever CCM needs to be enforcing that T-ara is now a group of nine, and as such things are going to need to change to accomodate that. This is a really good time to be addressing issues such as screen time and line distribution, especially since it was such a huge problem when there were only seven of them...I can only imagine how it's going to be if things keep going the way they have with nine girls. Obviously there are girls that will receive more attention within the group, but that doesn't mean that Boram, Qri, and Hwayoung aren't any less deserving of some spotlight time as well. I'm not sure why Soyeon and Areum weren't featured...you'd think that with Soyeon gaining so much popularity over the past several months and Areum joining promotions before Dani that CCM would want to get them a little bit of screen time as well.
I know this sounds like a bit of a rant, but all in all, I was extremely impressed with this teaser. I wasn't sure what to think when I heard that "Day By Day" would be a sci-fi video since they can be notoriously hard to execute if there isn't proper budget and you don't know what the hell you're doing, but this looks amazing. The song itself sounds amazing too, and I love that T-ara has opted to go back to their Absolute First Album roots and give us a dark, sexy, sad song, since it's what they do best. Amazingly enough, it fits in well with the video, which I wasn't sure it would, but the video's harder edge and the song's sadness combine to give the whole package kind of a hopeless, melancholy feeling...and I think that's exactly what they were shooting for.
For all intents and purposes it looks like T-ara will survive the craziness that's been surrounding them, as it looks like, for the most part, anticipation for both this song and video are almost universal. Well done, T-ara. And KKS...if you know what's good for you, you'll stop messing with T-ara from here on out. You mIght have been able to pull this off once but don't go crazy adding and subtracting members in the future, or you really WILL ruin them as a group. Leave well enough alone, since we all know that T-ara's pretty much all CCM has at this point. Mess with them too much and you'll be SOL.

The girls look so gorgeous here! Although, really, >.< they didn't have to photoshop Eunjung's thighs. Sometimes, it's really noticeable and it throws off her wonderful, strong curves. Otherwise, the girls look fantastic! It's great to have them all together.

I'm so happy that my two favorite groups, T-ara and Big Bang, are doing the G-Market CFs .

At this point the fandom has made good points for why each and every member could be up for expulsion from the group, save for one lone member. And I hate that it sounds like T-ara is on their own personal hellish version of Survivor, but it is what it is. Let's review why each girl could theoretically be kicked out and why they also could be safe...
Hyomin:
Why she could be kicked out: There pretty much IS no reason why Hyomin would get the boot. She's a workaholic, she loves the spotlight, she's talented, and she busts her butt to make sure T-ara's name is represented in a positive fashion. Not only that, she is one of the original members of T-ara, she has developed a sizeable fandom of her own, and her popularity only seems to be growing. I am almost 100% positive she is safe.
Why she could be safe: See above.
Eunjung:
Why she could be kicked out: Eunjung has become more and more prone to injury since "Lovey-Dovey" promotions began and has been unable to take place in several important group functions. By KKS's fuzzy logic, the group has functioned fine without her. Add that she has been given less and less lines in their songs to accomodate Hwayoung's inclusion into the group, along with the fact that she seems much more intent on her acting career as of late, and in my opinion she falls somewhere in the middle between "safe" and "in danger."
Why she could be safe: Eunjung, like Hyomin, is one of the original members of T-ara and has developed a sizeable fanbase of her own. She is also arguably the most well-rounded member of the group: she sings, she dances, she raps, she acts, and she's beautiful. Not only that, but her contributions to promoting the group in ventures like We Got Married and Dream High are invaluable. Plus she is a trooper...after she hurt her ankle shortly before "Lovey-Dovey" promotions began, she made it abundantly clear that she was going to stand on the debut stage with her fellow group members to perform the song...and she did just that.
Jiyeon:
Why she could be kicked out: When KKS began talking about "prideful and lazy" members, my first thoughts went to Jiyeon. She is obviously not a lazy girl, by any stretch of the word, but KKS probably misconstrues her oft-tired performances as rebellion on her part. Let's all be honest here...we've all joked about Jiyeon's xxxx faces during her performances at one time or another, albeit in a loving fashion. We all KNOW she's tired, and that irritability is a common sign of fatigue. So we aren't surprised. But KKS may be wanting to send her a warning to straighten up and fly by his rules, or she risks expulsion.
Why she could be safe: Jiyeon more than likely has nothing to worry about. She IS the face of T-ara, hands down. She is also one of the most popular idols in Korea at the moment, competing with the likes of Yoona, and IU (who are considered national idols). She is also a VERY commercially viable actress, which in turn helps promote T-ara. To give her the boot would be idiocy on KKS's part.
Soyeon:
Why she could be kicked out: Soyeon is recognized as a loveable loudmouth, but calling out the CEO on live television was more than just being a loudmouth...it was bold, fearless, and something that could have huge repercussions. I have no doubt that Soyeon (and, to a lesser extent, Hyomin and Boram) were all scolded after that broadcast, and I have no doubt that Soyeon stood her ground. She's wilfull, strong, and like any good leader, she's looking out for the best interests of her fellow members. Still, I wonder if her confession may have ultimately had something to do with KKS's decision to make these changes all of a sudden, and where it will ultimately leave Soyeon.
Why she could be safe: If Jiyeon is the "face" of T-ara, then Soyeon is most definitely it's "voice." She is considered one of the most vocally talented female idols in the Korean pop music industry; there is a reason CCM bought out her contract with SM, she is a huge boon to the group. Her popularity is also on the rise, especially after taking the group to new heights with their physical album sales for Funky Town.
Boram:
Why she could be kicked out: Boram is one of the members that have ended up on many a fan's chopping block since this whole debacle began. As a member of T-ara she has been given less and less to do in terms of her lines on their tracks, and her screen time is also nearly non-existent. She also does not promote outside of T-ara; whether it be by personal choice or due to lack of interest is unknown. Her confession on Twitter about her faltering health, much like Soyeon's claim on live television regarding their lack of a proper vacation, also probably got her scolded as well as it cast a bad light on T-ara's company, something they were already under fire for due to their poor treatment of the girls. She is also older by a few years than most of her bandmates, something that may be seen as a detraction by KKS; after all, this IS the man who added Hwayoung to the group primarily for the purpose of lowering the group's average age. Add in that KKS's claims that the members who lack the talent will be given less time to shine, and many people automatically assume that he is referring to either Boram or Qri.
Why she could be safe: As many have already stated, Boram's position in the group may be more stable than many fans think. She is a member of the Jeon family, who could best be compared to the Barrymores or the Hustons in America; this family has been in showbusiness a LONG time, and they have a lot of pull in the industry. Need an example? When Boram's father found out what she was going to be wearing for the "I Go Crazy Because Of You" promotions, he went ballistic, demanding that CCM find more suitable outfits for her to wear. And they did. To go against this family would be lunacy on KKS's part, and something that could rain Hell down on his head. If KKS thinks HE'S got connections, he hasn't seen anything yet. She is also one of the most instantly recognizable idols in the industry...if you don't remember anyone else in T-ara you remember the short, incredibly cute girl, and that's invaluable because she helps to give the T-ara brand an identity. But that's not all...Boram IS genuinely talented. She may not have Soyeon or Eunjung's singing chops, but she does have a lovely voice. She can also dance very well, as evidenced by the pre-debut videos you can see of her dancing to BoA's "My Name." So the talent IS there...it just hasn't been cultivated, and that's no one's fault but CCM's.
Qri:
Why she could be kicked out: Qri is, without a doubt, the least talented member of T-ara vocally. We all know that she wasn't added to the group for her ability to sing live at Radio City Music Hall. We also know that in terms of her singing lines she is usually given much less than most of the other vocally capable members, save for Boram. There's also the VERY suspicious fact that Qri was offered a role in one of Japan's most popular dramas...and for whatever reason, turned it down. Did CCM make her turn it down because she wasn't going to be a member of the company much longer? Did she voluntarily turn in down, which angered CCM due to the invaluable promotion that the drama would have given T-ara in Japan? We just don't know.
Why she could be safe: Unless it's changed, Qri is generally thought to be KKS's favorite member of T-ara. The man seems to almost have a romantic infatuation with her at times the way he fawns over her. This extends to male members of T-ara's fanbase as well...Qri is generally considered to be one of the most beautiful idols in the industry by many. Not only that, but it does seem that CCM has been making some sort of an effort to get Qri's name out into the general public; she did get to open and close "Cry Cry," as well as receiving prominent parts in both the longform video and song for "Lovey-Dovey." She has improved leaps and bounds since debut as well, as evidenced by her live vocal performances as of late.
Hwayoung:
Why she could be kicked out: Poor Hwayoung. It hasn't even been a year and a half since her debut with T-ara and to this very day she continues to get a lot of guff from fans. Many say that they just don't understand her purpose in T-ara; she's the designated rapper, yet T-ara had two very capable rappers prior to her joining. She can sing, but the group already had Soyeon and Eunjung, and Hwayoung is definitely no powerhouse. She CAN dance, and very well at that. Many hit below the belt and went after Hwayoung for her looks...true, she's not as visually striking as Jiyeon, Eunjung, or even Boram, but she is an attractive girl. She also does not promote outside of T-ara, and on their variety shows she is generally quiet and does not say much...her presence can be forgettable. Add to that that there have been claims that she and Jiyeon did not get along well at all. Regardless, many wonder if perhaps her time in T-ara was simply a trial run that didn't go as well as planned, and if KKS will rotate her out to make room for another girl that may be better accepted by the public and fans.
Why she could be safe: It does seem that lately CCM have been trying to utilize Hwayoung more, and Hwayoung seems to be rising to the task. She looks leagues better with her new short 'do than with her long hair, and after wowing fans with her rapping skills in "We Were In Love" and then with her (surprising) singing and dancing skills in "Lovey-Dovey," it finally seems that the tide of opinion has begun to turn in her favor. Plus, there is also her age, which, as was stated before, helps lower the group's average age, which in KKS's eyes could be enough to keep her on.
I know this was basically a short essay, but I wrote this as a way to show that, at this point anyways, there is no use in worrying about what may or may not come. Theoretically it could be ANY of the girls that KKS was talking about. He chose his words very specifically; his entire statement was a veiled threat at worst and mere trolling at best. He WANTS the fans to be in an uproar over this, as well as the girls. He doesn't want anyone to know anything, which is why his statement could be construed to be talking about any or all of the members of T-ara. Whatever happens will happen, and at this point all we can really do is just wait. Do I think he's going to kick anyone out? Honestly, no. If anything I think that additions will be made or subgroups will be formed, but if he's using this as a scare tactic against the girls then I have no doubt that within the next year they WILL be sueing to be released from their contract...and I don't blame them. Not one bit. I also have no doubt that if T-ara stand united together then they would have no trouble finding a new company. KKS may have given Jiae and Jiwon trouble after they left CCM, but I doubt that his clout will extend to what many consider to be one of the most popular girl groups in Korea and Japan. Money talks, and T-ara's a gold mine; if they sue, they will win, and I wouldn't doubt that every company in Korea will be knocking down their doors for a piece of them. Look at what T-ara was able to do under a smaller, incompetent label; now think of what they could do in the hands of a company like JYPE, SM, YG, or Cube. They would be happy to have T-ara, and they would no doubt give them the time off that they so righteously deserve.
In other words, let KKS play his little games. The only loser in the long run will be him. If he didn't learn from Lee Hyori, SeeYa, or SG Wannabe, then maybe T-ara will be the one that finally drives the lesson home for him. And if you haven't guessed then at this point I'm leaning towards the girls sueing and getting the Hell away from this madman. All of a sudden things like new albums or concerts seem trifling if it's at the expense of the girl's own well-being and mental health, which this man is obviously toying with. I want them away from him, and I hope it happens, and soon.

I was watching that episode of tvN taxi with T-ara.
This part at the end made me so sad.
http://youtu.be/ay3TTMoiHI8

You, good sir, should be given a Nobel Prize for this post. <applauds>
Only morons, stans and fans more dedicated to CCM, rather than T-ara's actual well-being would say such things like Malvius.
Come to think of it, I remember there were rumors that in KARA's official fan site where there were a huge ton of 'fans' making posts that criticized KARA about their lawsuits and were taking DSP's side - more rumors say that DSP actually ordered/bribed/coerced its own employees to say such things. And I think it's quite plausible, if not damn full factual.
T-ara not having had a vacation since debut and with constant promotions and overwork has indeed gone far enough - even the Korean military gives its troops adequate sleep every week and their training regime is among the most toughest worldwide.
There's a reason why famous people like Lee Hyori, SG Wannabe and Nam Gyuri of SeeYa actually left CCM after only working in it for a few years. T-ara, at this rate, is bound to become one of them. Frankly, KKS doesn't seem to really give a xxxx about anything except filling up his own bank account and trying to directly compete evenly against bigger agencies like YG and SM. Long story cut short - CCM will never ever manage to achieve such an unrealistic goal.

Oh really.. then why do you see them on all those Japanese televisions shows as well as those outdoor performances in Japan? That's totally not being on a break.
And what's the big deal about fans wanting them to take a break? It's not like they're asking them to disappear forever.They're (we're) only concern about their health and well being. Even if a fan is 'crying' for T-ara to get a break, they aren't being an arse of themselves.
And I freaking love you FreakyFlyBri!
All the points you made were valid, in my eyes. Because quite frankly, to say they're on a break right now is a bunch of bull. With what? like 11 upcoming live concerts in Japan (the tour), plus a release of their first Japanese album, then their first solo concert in July PLUS another full album! And they're finally getting their fan club, but doesn't that mean a autograph session? They'll be burned out! Imagine all the recording, preparations and practices!
They're not only going to be practicing the dance, choreography, and the lyrics, but they'll have to practice speaking Japanese as well! Not to mention, flying back and forth between Japan and Korea..
I think this Japanese tour is placed at a very bad time. I would've thought that after their Japanese Roly Poly promotions, they'll get their 10-day break (that vacation time is just pitiful btw) and then resume for their upcoming July fiesta.
I'm sad to admit that I was one of those stupid fans that was happy at the news of the tour, but after the initial "HOORAY!" it comes down to "wtf CCM"
It's nice that T-ara is expanding and becoming more popular but is it really worth it?
Like, if it really comes down to it, and the majority of us fans are dissatisfied with how everything is running (like T-ara's schedule, their 'break', etc), is there anything that we can do?
I really like this news, it's suppose to be a happy thing for T-ara, but why do i feel that it's actually a sad thing?

No, it is not called "disbandment." Disbandment is when the group officially breaks up and announces that they have done so. When I say "break" I mean a vacation. A break is when they are allowed to freely pursue activities outside of work for a set period of time before returning to make a comeback. Plus 4minute and U-Kiss are hardly the best examples to use in this case as they are not nearly as profitable as T-ara or even other groups on their respective labels; they are allowed to have that time off because there are other groups that are able to make profit for their labels. Anyways, I'm not arguing semantics with you. You know the difference between a break and disbandment.
Just because they are used to having a lot of activities does not mean that they shouldn't be able to take a break, have some personal time to do whatever they please and be able to visit their families without having anything work-related to do. You may be correct that they might not agree to a full, month-long vacation where they aren't expected to do anything, but the option for them to do so would be nice. The body can only take so much before it starts to shut down. If Boram's tweets, Jiyeon's hair loss, Soyeon's public announcement that they need a vacation and her scolding of KKS ON LIVE TELEVISION and Eunjung's injuries don't ring any warning bells for you, then I don't know what will. They've made it pretty clear that they want some time off. There's nothing wrong with that, and there's nothing wrong with the fans that want it for them.
And they may only need to record a few songs for their Japanese album, but this is also around the time that they will be readying a comeback in Korea, rehearsing for their first ever concert there, and readying themselves for their Japanese tour. It will NOT be an easy time for them. Giving them some REAL time off before summer is in the best interests of the girls and their health. Better yet, spacing out promotions so that they aren't nearly overlapping with each other would be the best course of action. We all saw how wiped out the girls were when they were simultaneously promoting Black Eyes in Korea and Yayaya in Japan...it was not a pretty sight. Long story short, it's okay to be excited about their comebacks but don't shut your eyes to the fact that they are overworked, and they've made it clear themselves that they would like some time off. They've looked very tired during their J-Roly-Poly performances and promotion, so obviously the break you're talking about isn't that great if they aren't looking well-rested. It's common knowledge that most idols are overworked and sleep-deprived, but when the same names keep popping up on the top of people's lists as the most overworked of the bunch (in this case, T-ara), then something is very, very wrong.
Not trying to start an argument or make you feel bad, I just disagree with your sentiment that they don't deserve some true time off where they are not expected to do anything work-related. EVERYBODY deserves that, regardless of whether their work is their passion or not. After all, your passion can become something you hate when you're not able to take time away from it to do other things. Why do you think KARA nearly disbanded and DBSK split up? They worked entirely too much and saw relatively little personal benefit from it.

It's not obvious at all what happened. Just celebrate the fact that the ladies won their first triple crown in years! They had two wonderful performances, one dancing, and the other singing. I'm so glad for them! And I hope CCM takes this to mean that T-ara can afford to have breaks, because we, their fans, won't forget them anytime soon ^_~. It'll just be time for us to revisit old videos of their awesome performances.